Author
Topic: What is the difference between Wenger and Victorinox? (Read 22428 times)

Forgive my ignorance,But I didn't know that the term "Swiss Army Knife" was for both companies. I thought they were exclusively Victorinox. I read a brief history on SAKwiki and yes I could probably Google it, but I thought you all might be a better resource. Okay, so beyond that, what is the difference between them. In another thread many people recommended Victorinox stuff to someone wanting their first SAK, but not a lot of Wenger stuff. So, what's the difference? Hope I didn't set off a hot debate.Gray

Logged

I have been recently diagnosed with ADOSS... Attention Deficit OH SOMETHING SHINY!

Victorinox was the 1st. of the two companies and is the only holder of the title "Original Swiss Army Knife". Wenger holds the title "Genuine Swiss Army Knife".

Recently, as Wenger was near bankruptcy, Victorinox bought Wenger and is the parent company although both companies as separate entities.

Both companies had contract to provide 50% of the knives to the Swiss Military until the new design (based on OHT) was selected. Now only Victorinox supplies them. Wenger continues to make their Standard Issue Soldier but without blade date stamps.

There are many opinions on which is best (scissors, backsprings, innovations being some of the main topics of discussion) so let me just say that I like them both.

I wouldn't worry about the companies as much as just finding a specific model you like.

Vic and Wenger are both putting out great products now, and I doubt you will be disappointed in either. Having 2 companies just gives you more SAKs to choose from.

The main issues that come up about Vic vs. Wenger are usually about the specific implementation of certain features, such as: scissors, can openers/phillips drivers, bottle openers, locks, nail files, size, and scales.

Wenger developed a bad rep for quality, but I think their quality has been comparable to Vic for quite a few years now. With recent SAKs, I think many people are more mistaking "feel" for quality. That's my take on things anyway.

Your best bet is to just buy a cheap basic model from each company from FelineVet and check out the differences firsthand and see which you prefer.

I wouldn't worry about the companies as much as just finding a specific model you like.

Vic and Wenger are both putting out great products now, and I doubt you will be disappointed in either. Having 2 companies just gives you more SAKs to choose from.

The main issues that come up about Vic vs. Wenger are usually about the specific implementation of certain features, such as: scissors, can openers/phillips drivers, bottle openers, locks, nail files, size, and scales.

Wenger developed a bad rep for quality, but I think their quality has been comparable to Vic for quite a few years now. With recent SAKs, I think many people are more mistaking "feel" for quality. That's my take on things anyway.

Your best bet is to just buy a cheap basic model from each company from FelineVet and check out the differences firsthand and see which you prefer.

I agree wholeheartly with what max6166 says. I have a great article written years ago by Blade magazine (I have to figure out how to scan it ) but I will send it out as soon as I figure that out.

I bought a Vic Feildmaster and a Wenger 18 just for that reason. They both have their merits but I know which one I like.

I like Vic can opener but I like the springless scirrors on Wenger I like the locking screwdriver of the Vic not crazy about the Wenger.

I like the Locking mech on the OH Wengers better then the Vic linerlock. Once you get a taste then you are hooked

One thing no-one has mentioned yet is the difference in size. The standard Vic is 91mm long the Wenger is 85mm long.

I have nothing against Wenger, indeed I own a few, but I a Vic man myself. That is a matter of personal preference though. I'd recommend a Vic over a Wenger as a first SAK but no-one would be upset at the quality of a new Wenger.

One thing no-one has mentioned yet is the difference in size. The standard Vic is 91mm long the Wenger is 85mm long.

I have nothing against Wenger, indeed I own a few, but I a Vic man myself. That is a matter of personal preference though. I'd recommend a Vic over a Wenger as a first SAK but no-one would be upset at the quality of a new Wenger.

Agreed, if you have small hands or pockets a Wenger may well be the best choice.

If you're really interested in Wengers and Vics, the best thing you can do is hook up with Tim, the Felinevet. Best prices and best service, and he'll set you up right with examples of both brands. Then you can decide which is better. (Or, as is more likely, you can decided which further models of both brands you want!)

The only odd-ball Wenger one I want is the one that came with the SIG 550/551 series of semi-auto assault rifles imported into the USA from 1987-89, before the import assault weapons ban prevented more from coming in. I saw one in the kit that came with the rifle.

BTW: the rifle is worth in the $10,000 range if you can find one.

Many parts kits that used to be STG-90's have been imported (parts kit = demilled rifle, i.e. receiver cut in two) and folks are taking the stock and forearms of these to retrofit that nasty SIG-556 (made at the SIG plant in New Hampshire) into one more like what we REALLY wanted to see.